Avanafil: A comprehensive drug profile

Avanafil is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). As a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, it functions by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which ultimately results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and improved blood flow to the penis. Approved by the FDA in 2012, avanafil is recognised for its rapid onset of action, short half-life, and favourable side-effects profile. While it has been explored for other potential therapeutic applications, its current approved use is limited to ED and should be used as prescribed by a medical professional. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of avanafil, encompassing its nomenclature, physicochemical properties, methods of preparation, and identification. Various techniques for analysing avanafil, such as electrochemical analysis, spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric, and chromatographic techniques, are discussed. The pharmacology of avanafil, including its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, is also examined.